Transformation applicants started coming in waves.
The second applicant arrived three days after Mara. A man this time; middle-aged, with calloused hands and a stoop from years of labour in the fields. His name was Henrik. His wife had been killed during Magnus's invasion. His children had been taken by wolves who claimed them as servants. He had nothing left.
"I want the transformation," he said, standing in the same chamber where Seren had met Mara. "I want to be strong enough to find my children."
Seren explained the risks. The death rate. The partial transformations. The need for a bond with multiple powerful wolves, something he did not have and could not easily obtain.
Henrik listened. Then he stood.
"I don't care about the risks. I don't care about dying. I care about my children."
"I'm afraid, I cannot help you."
"Then I'll find someone else."
He walked out.
The third applicant arrived the next day.
